Florida Landscape Architect License Guide

Florida Landscape Architecture License Information

How To Get You License In Florida

Florida is a gardener's paradise full of lush native plants and fascinating exotic species. All of this beauty constantly endangered by invasive species (both plant and animal), flooding, drought, sink holes, urban sprawl, and natural disasters. Landscape architects serve the public by protecting the health, safety, and welfare. Be part of the solution and become a Florida-registered landscape architect. This guide will explain the basic requirements for initial licensure.

Basic Requirements

There are a few basic prerequisites you have to complete before you can apply to take the LARE exam in the state of Florida.

Education

There are two ways that you can satisfy the education requirement. Most landscape architect candidates graduate with a LAAB-accredited bachelors or masters degree in landscape architecture. You will need to send official college transcripts when you apply for a license. 

If you do not have a degree in landscape architecture, you can still qualify if you have six years of documented work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

Work Experience

You are required to have at least one year of diversified work experience in landscape architecture. All the professional experience must be after your graduation date.

Peculiar Florida Provisions

In addition to passing the LARE, you are required to pass a Florida landscape exam. This multiple-choice computer-based test covers topics that directly relate to Florida's unique climate and environment. 

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to become a licensed landscape architect in the state of Florida:

1. Graduate from a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program.
2. Work for a landscape architecture firm or in a position that is supervised by a licensed landscape architect. You need at least one year of experience before you can apply for an initial license in Florida.
3. Apply to take the LARE exam and Florida supplemental exam through the Florida state board.
4. Sign up for the LARE once the state board approves your application.
5. Prepare for the LARE. No matter how well you did in school, you still need to prepare for the LARE exam. Read the technical books recommended by CLARB, take a practice exam at home, or attend a LARE exam preparation workshop.
6. Take and pass all sections of the LARE.
7. Pay the license fee and wait for your license in the mail. Celebrate upon its arrival! You are now licensed to practice landscape architecture.
8. Get a seal made so you can sign drawings.
9. Take continuing education courses. Florida has some of the most stringent continuing education requirements for landscape architects of any state. Make sure the courses you take are approved by the state board.

Final Thoughts

While the road to licensure can be full of challenges and frustrations, keep your goal of holding your license in you hand in mind. Many landscape architects have stood where you stand today. Through diligent preparation, the succeeded and earned a license. You can do it, too!

For more information about Florida licensing requirements, check or the Florida board website. Also, ASLA has additional licensure resources on their website. If you are not a member, consider joining ASLA.  

Related Articles:

• State Landscape Architecture License Requirements
• LARE Passing Rates
• LARE Workshops...Are Workshops Worth the Cost?
• Why Get a Landscape Architect License?
• Recommended Reading
• Practice Exams
• Upcoming LARE Workshops
• Free LARE Exam Preparation Resources

Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing.  Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information.  If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.